Week 14 – Little Story About Macau (4/12)

MACAU TUNG SIN TONG CHARITABLE SOCIETY
Macau Tung Sin Tong (同善堂) was the first Chinese charitable organization established in Macau in 1892. Since the year of establishment, the charitable organization has provided free medical cares and education for those in need and has saved a lot of people, including war refugees during WWII from dying hunger.

The words of the name of the organization, “Tung Sin Tong ”(同善堂), represent the following meanings:
同 – together; be the same as
善 – kindness; goodness
堂 – hall; big room

As I entered the hall of Tung Sin Tong a feeling of gratefulness ran through my veins when I saw what looked like over a hundred portraits of past contributors hung upon the wall. Those past contributors did a lot of goodness for others. Their act of kindness and contributions did make a difference.

This picture was taken at the headquarter of Tung Sin Tong, which was the place where people were taking care of in the past. At the present, Tung Sin Ton continues to provide free medical care, education and baby- sitting service, as well as promoting charitable activities to the public.

I have always been fascinated how Chinese characters come about. When I was in university, I had taken a course on Chinese philosophy. My professor included the evolution of the written language. Very interesting.